Cystitis is an infection of the bladder and the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) in women. Many mild cases settle within a few days, but antibiotics can help symptoms clear faster. With Global Health, women aged 18 to 65 can request UTI treatment online in Brazil. You complete a secure questionnaire, a licensed doctor reviews your answers, and if treatment is clinically suitable the doctor issues a digital prescription (receita digital) that you receive in your Global Health account and can present at a pharmacy in Brazil. If it is not suitable, the doctor explains why and suggests what to do next.
What is included
- A review of your symptom questionnaire by a licensed doctor
- A prescription for a short course of antibiotics, if clinically suitable
- A digital prescription (receita digital) in your Global Health account, to present at a pharmacy in Brazil
- Written advice on self-care and what to do if symptoms do not improve
- Secure messaging with the doctor about your request
The service fee covers the doctor's review. The medicine is paid for separately at the pharmacy.
Who this service is not suitable for
This service is only for uncomplicated lower UTIs in women. Our doctors cannot safely treat a UTI online if you:
- are male, under 18 or over 65
- are pregnant or think you might be
- have a high temperature, shivering, pain in your back or side (loin pain), or feel sick or are vomiting
- have blood in your urine
- have had three or more UTIs in the last year, or a UTI that came back soon after treatment
- have a urinary catheter, kidney problems, or a known abnormality of the urinary tract
- have a weakened immune system or unusual vaginal discharge
If any of these apply, please book a video consultation with a GP so a doctor can assess you properly. A fever with back pain can mean a kidney infection, which needs urgent care.
How it works
- Complete the questionnaire. Answer questions about your symptoms, your general health and any medication you take.
- Doctor review. A licensed doctor reviews your answers against clinical guidance and may message you if more information is needed.
- Digital prescription. If treatment is suitable, the doctor issues a digital prescription, which appears in your Global Health account for you to present at a pharmacy in Brazil. If it is not, the doctor explains why and suggests a next step.
What is cystitis?
Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Doctors often use the terms UTI and cystitis to mean the same thing when the infection is in the lower urinary tract. Women get it far more often than men because the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, is shorter and closer to the back passage.
UTI symptoms in women
- pain, burning or stinging when you pass urine
- needing to pass urine more often or more urgently than usual
- passing only small amounts, or feeling you have not fully emptied your bladder
- cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
- pain or discomfort low in your tummy
What causes a UTI?
Most UTIs happen when bacteria from the bowel get into the urethra and travel up to the bladder. Sex, wiping from back to front, not drinking enough fluids, and changes after the menopause can all make infection more likely. Some symptoms can also be caused by thrush or a sexually transmitted infection, especially if you have vaginal discharge or itching.
UTI treatment options
Antibiotics for a UTI work by killing the bacteria causing the infection. For an uncomplicated bladder infection in women, a short course of antibiotics, usually lasting a few days, is standard. Symptoms often start to improve within a day or two.
- take every dose and finish the course, even if you feel better
- if symptoms have not improved after 48 hours, or get worse at any point, contact a doctor
- some mild cases clear on their own within a few days, and your doctor may discuss waiting before starting antibiotics
How to ease a UTI with self-care
- drink enough fluids so your urine is pale
- take over-the-counter pain relief, following the pack instructions
- rest and use a hot water bottle on your tummy for comfort
- avoid sex until symptoms settle
To lower the chance of another infection, pass urine soon after sex, wipe from front to back, and avoid perfumed soaps around the genital area.
Side effects and safety
Antibiotics are generally well tolerated. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea and, in some women, vaginal thrush. Some antibiotics used for UTIs can turn urine a darker colour, which is harmless. Tell the doctor about any allergies, especially to antibiotics, and about all other medication you take. Using antibiotics only when needed helps to prevent antibiotic resistance, so your doctor will only prescribe when it is appropriate.
Stop the medication and seek urgent help if you develop a rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, as these can be signs of an allergic reaction.
When to see a doctor in person
Call SAMU on 192 or go to an emergency department (pronto-socorro) if you feel very unwell, confused, or have a high temperature with shivering and back pain. These can be signs of a kidney infection or sepsis. See a doctor if symptoms do not improve after 48 hours of antibiotics, if they return soon after treatment, or if you notice blood in your urine. You can also meet our doctors or see all online prescription services.